The Gardner School is committed to supporting parents to ensure every child’s learning journey continues beyond the classroom. To help, we’ve created an exclusive guide to Washington DC’s free attractions, events, and activities that are tailored to meet the needs of preschoolers and their families! Our guide highlights unique opportunities for fun and learning so you can discover new and exciting adventures in our beautiful communities.
National Air and Space Museum
Grab a free timed-entry pass and spend the day exploring every inch of the National Air and Space Museum. You can also hit morning storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays or join Big Bird and Elmo in a free planetarium show as they explore the night sky. The museum also hosts monthly Family Day events that are very popular, so be sure to check the schedule and sign up for an email reminder to reserve free tickets for your family.
The National Theatre
Early exposure to the arts can improve children’s lives, and that’s what Saturday Morning Live! at The National Theatre is all about. Featuring interactive performances, puppets, music, and dance numbers, the show is designed to light up imaginations and teach children self-expression and communication skills. Shows take place on the second Saturday of every month in The National Theatre’s Helen Hayes Gallery at 9:30 and 11:00. We recommend that you register for free tickets in advance; walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Library Storytime
Public libraries are a great resource for families looking to have some fun for free. Nearly every day of the week, you can stop into your local Washington, D.C. library to enjoy stories, songs, and games presented by the librarians.
Speaking of reading, are you aware of the Books from Birth program? It’s open to all children under the age of five who are living in Washington, D.C. All enrolled children receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday, mailed right to their home! It’s completely free, so be sure to register your child today.
Butterfly Pavilion
For a family of four, tickets to the Butterfly Pavilion would cost you $30, but on Tuesdays, everyone can enjoy the tropical oasis for free! Located on the second floor of the National Museum of Natural History, the Pavilion showcases hundreds of butterflies from the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia. Before your visit, download this identification guide to help your child spot the eight butterflies most often seen in the Pavilion.
National Postal Museum
Explore historic stagecoaches, trains, and trucks used to deliver mail across the country inside the Mail Call atrium at the National Postal Museum. Be sure to experience The World of Stamps and Systems at Work exhibits, where your little one can sort mail, scan packages, color a postcard, and design their own stamps! The museum offers this 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids brochure and map that you can look at before you go to plan the best visit ever!
United States Botanic Garden
Don’t miss the special Children’s Garden hidden in the middle of the U.S. Botanic Garden. From spring to fall, preschoolers can get their hands dirty—quite literally—in an outdoor space designed just for them. They can crawl through a kiwifruit tunnel, learn about composting in a digging area, and explore what’s in bloom. Before you go, print out a plant passport to help you learn more about plant biology, including the parts we can eat! Admission is always free.
Partnering With Parents in Washington, DC
The Gardner School is proud to partner with parents to provide support as you introduce your children to new experiences. Take a look at our blog page for inspiration and helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.
Interested in enrolling your child at The Gardner School? Find a location near you and reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.